Luminescence dating refers to a group of methods of determining how long ago mineral grains were last exposed to sunlight or sufficient heating. It is useful to geologists and archaeologists who want to know when such an event occurred. It uses various methods to stimulate and measure luminescence.

What do you mean by thermoluminescence?

Thermoluminescence (TL) is the process in which a mineral emits light while it is being heated: it is a stimulated emission process occurring when the thermally excited emission of light follows the previous absorption of energy from radiation.

Which material is used as TLD crystal?

Materials exhibiting thermoluminescence in response to ionizing radiation include calcium fluoride, lithium fluoride, calcium sulfate, lithium borate, calcium borate, potassium bromide, and feldspar. It was invented in 1954 by Professor Farrington Daniels of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

What is OSL used for?

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) is a technique used to date fossils in geological sediments through ionized radiation to determine the last time a mineral was exposed to sunlight.

Can sand be dated?

In the absence of macrofossils, sand can be dated if there is an organic material on the surface of the sand. If there is enough carbon present in the organic coating, a radiocarbon date can be obtained. If the sand is dark due to its mineral composition, then radiocarbon dating would likely not be successful.

Where do you wear your TLD badge?

Some points to observe when using TLD badges: Wear the badge at chest or waist level, and if a lead apron is used in an X-ray area, under the apron. Wear only the badge assigned to you.